Freedom of speech must be protected

We have all been arrested under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act for taking part in "unauthorised" demonstrations within the new anti-protest zone around Parliament. One of us, Maya Evans, became the first person to be convicted of the offence (Court says Iraq protest is a crime, December 8). Under the act, anyone wishing to demonstrate within a designated area of up to one kilometre from Parliament Square, must apply to the Metropolitan Police Commissioner at least six days in advance (or, if not "reasonably practicable", 24 hours in advance). Permission must be granted, but the Commissioner can impose conditions including: when and where the protest can take place; how long it can last; how many people can attend; and the number and size of banners and placards. In other words, people can only have protests that are, in effect, organised by the police.

In a speech in 2002, Tony Blair said of protestors outside Downing Street: "I may not like what they call me, but I thank God they can. That's called freedom."

It is this freedom that is under attack.Mark BarrettSebastian BirdSteve BlumMatthew ButcherMaya EvansMaria GallasteguiDavid KingMilan RaiEmma SangsterAlwyn SimpsonLondon

Liz Fekete asks Ayaan Hirsi Ali to weigh her freedom of speech against others' freedom to life (Letters, December 7). I find this rather confusing. It is Ayaan Hirsi Ali's own life which is under threat, from the same religious extremists who object to her expressing her opinions. She is entitled to be unconditionally defended on both matters.Prof David TurnerCanterbury, Kent